The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • Minister laments non-implementation of planning law

    Minister laments non-implementation of planning law

    Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has decried the failure of most states to adopt and implement the Urban and Regional Planning Law (Decree 88 of 1992, Cap. 138 LFN 2004) more than 30 years after its passage, calling it a major setback to the nation’s quest for orderly and sustainable urban growth.

    Speaking at the National Colloquium on the Implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in Abuja, he expressed concern that only two States, including Katsina, have domesticated the landmark legislation since its enactment in 1992.

    “It is regrettable that more than three decades after the promulgation of this progressive law, only two States, including my home State of Katsina, have adopted and operationalised it. This has contributed to the uncoordinated growth of our cities, the proliferation of informal settlements, and widening gaps between planning ideals and urban realities,” Dangiwa stated.

    He commended the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners for convening the colloquium, describing it as timely and essential for national reflection on how to revitalise planning practice as a tool for sustainable development.

    The Minister explained that the 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law was a bold reform that replaced the obsolete 1946 Town and Country Planning Law — providing, for the first time, a comprehensive framework for land use and physical development across all tiers of government. However, he lamented that weak institutional capacity, inadequate manpower, poor intergovernmental coordination, and low public awareness have hindered its implementation.

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    Dangiwa noted that the realities of rapid urbanisation, climate change, and technological advancement have further outpaced the provisions of the law, making its review and update both urgent and necessary.

    Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to driving the nationwide adoption, domestication, and effective implementation of the law. He added that the Ministry is also working to review and modernise the legislation to align with current realities and emerging global standards in spatial and physical planning.

    “We are determined to ensure that every state of the federation adopts and operationalises this law; urban and regional planning is not a theoretical exercise — it is the backbone of sustainable growth, efficient infrastructure, and social well-being,” he said.

    Dangiwa disclosed that as part of its reform agenda, the Ministry has completed the review of the National Urban Development Policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and is finalising the National Physical Planning Standards and the National Policy on Rural Settlements Planning and Development to promote balanced regional development and reduce migration pressures on urban centres.

    He further cited the Renewed Hope Housing Programme as a practical demonstration of integrated land use and planning principles envisioned under the law, with each housing project reflecting proper spatial planning and environmental sustainability.

    “Through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, we are showing that effective planning leads to better, more liveable, and inclusive communities,” he noted.

    The Minister urged State Governments, professional bodies, and development partners to work collectively to reposition urban and regional planning as a strategic instrument for economic transformation, social equity, and environmental resilience.

  • PTAD: Resolving pensioners’ issues

    PTAD: Resolving pensioners’ issues

    AHMED: Good day, my name is Ahmed. I retired from NIWA in 2007, my complains are I haven’t received any of the arrears paid to some of the pensioners ranging from the 24 per cent and the N32,000 arrears. I was told my name fell on the second batch since August 2024. Kindly help me out

    PTAD: Dear Mr. Ahmed, please send your verification slip to our email complaints@ptad.gov.ng to enable us to investigate and respond further. Thank you.

    ANONYMOUS: I have no other option than to continue to complain of deduction of my pension allowance sum of #9000, since September last year.  Please use your office to rescue me from this situation l have written several times for correction to no avail why?

    PTAD: Dear PTAD pensioner, please send your verification slip to our email complaints@ptad.gov.ng to enable us to investigate and respond further. However, note that PTAD obtained a directive for the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level in line with the clarification from the NSIWC before implementing the new 20 per cent and 28per cent increment as applicable. The CPA which was as a result of the minimum wage approval in April 2019 was implemented in May 2021 based on pay-band application with subsequent payment of 24 months arrears covering from April 2019 to April 2021. It is, therefore, instructive to mention that arrears reconciliation arising from the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level is set aside pending further directive.

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    The clarification from the NSIWC which revised the implementation of the CPA to Grade level was taken into cogni NAICOM, FRSC, NHIA Partner on Road Safety, NIIRA 2025 sance and accordingly implemented on the payroll before the application of the new pension increment of 20-28per cent as applicable which will take effect from September 2024.

    Further to the above, the Executive Secretary gave directive to pay the 20per cent / 28per cent pension increment arrears to only the pensioners whose monthly pension have been correctly computed and implemented as per the August payroll. In line with the directive of the Executive Secretary, the Department reviewed the August 2024 pension payroll to ascertain that only pensioners who are on their correctly computed monthly pension are paid the 20 – 28per cent pension increment arrears and thereafter identified and excluded the following categories of pensioners:

    •Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension and whose monthly pension entitlement is yet to be computed to date;

    •Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension but whose monthly pension entitlement have been computed but not yet implemented;

    •Pensioners on the payroll with monthly pension figure that appears to be higher than the maximum monthly pension for their Grade Level.

    Thank you.

  • Everything you need to know as a retiree under PTAD

    Everything you need to know as a retiree under PTAD

    Losing a loved one is hard enough but dealing with paperwork shouldn’t make it harder.

    This is why understanding who a Next-of-Kin (NOK) is and how to complete verification is so important. PTAD’s verification process ensures pension benefits go directly to the rightful person without stress.

    In this report, PTAD explains everything you need to know about NOK verification, the documents required, and how to handle special cases like being abroad or unfit to travel.

    Who is a Next of Kin (NOK)?

    A Next-of-Kin (NOK) is the individual chosen by the principal to inherit his or her entitlement in the event of his/her death. The NOK could be the child, wife, brother, parent, friend or any relation of the deceased,   selected by the deceased while he/she was alive.

    If there are more than one NOK, do we all need to be present for verification?

    Yes. You all need to be present as NOKs. Verification can only be successful and recognised when all NOKs are present in compliance to the will of the deceased pensioner.

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    What are the documents needed for NOK verification?

    Depending on the department, documents required for verification of NOKs varies. Here is the list of documents required; Letter/Gazette of 1st appointment/Letter of Enlistment; Letter/Gazette of 1st Confirmation of Appointment; Letter/Gazette of Last promotion; Approved Letter of Retirement/Disengagement.; Severance Pay Slip (Disengaged Retirees Only); Evidence of payment of Gratuity; Computation Sheet stamped and signed by the State Auditor General ( for State pensioners with Federal Shares only); and Death Certificate of the Deceased from a Government recognised hospital or National Population Commission.

    Others are Letter of Administration from a Federal High Court; Birth Certificate of NOK; Letter of Introduction from MDA (Death in active service); Record of Service; NOK Identity card (Driving Licence, Int’l Passport, National ID Card or Voters Registration Card); Letter of Introduction from the Command Headquarters (Police); Letter of Introduction from the Association of War Affected Police Officers (AWARPO).; Letter of Amnesty from the Police Service Commission (Police); Joint Account of NOKs(Duly Stamped/Signed); Marriage Certificate (For Spouses); Duly signed and stamped NUBAN Joint Bank Account Statement of the NOK (s) with bank logo; Stamped Bank Verification Number (BVN) Slip print out of the NOKs; One colored Passport Photograph for each NOKs; Duly signed and stamped NUBAN Bank Account Statement of the deceased from retirement till date; Birth certificates/sworn affidavit of the NOKs; Evidence of change of name where applicable); and Evidence of Transfer of Service where applicable).

    I am not in Nigeria at the moment and I missed the verification exercise that was previously conducted. My monthly pension has been stopped. What do I do?

    You can go to the nearest Nigerian Embassy or High Commission to you, obtain an “I am alive” Certificate, attach your resident permit and data page of your international passport. 

    Also attach all relevant career progression documents and forward to the Directorate through a third party or email to info@ptad.gov.ng or complaints@ptad.gov.ng. Consequent upon a successful validation, your monthly pension will be restored pending when you make effort to come into the country for verification.

    Customs, Immigration and Prisons, as well as Parastatal pensioners are treated every Tuesday; Civil Service Pensioners are treated every Wednesday while Police pensioners and Parastatal pensioners are treated every Thursday However, in light of the COVID 19 pandemic, verification is strictly by invitation. Pensioners must send their documents to verification@ptad.gov.ng for review before they are invited for verification

    Do I have to submit all my documents when I have a complaint even after I have been verified?

    Once a pensioner is verified, the submission of documents is no longer a requirement for forwarding of complaints. It is only the verification slip and statement of account (six months) before the period of complaint that will be required.

    Customs, Immigration and Prisons, as well as Parastatal pensioners are treated every Tuesday; Civil Service Pensioners are treated every Wednesday while Police pensioners and Parastatal pensioners are treated every Thursday. However, in light of the COVID 19 pandemic, verification is strictly by invitation. Pensioners must send their documents to verification@ptad.gov.ng for review before they are invited for verification

    I am not living close to any of your Zonal offices. I am frail and do not have the means to travel. How do I get verified? Is there any other medium that I can use to send in my complaints?

    The pensioner can still be verified. He or she should send in the required documents with a full sized photograph, complete contact details, career documents and a medical report ascertaining conditions which are against travels to confirm inability to travel to any of our Zonal offices that is close to him/her through a third party, with a request for Mobile Verification. Once the documents are reviewed and found acceptable, a team of mobile verification officers will be sent to verify him or her.

    My spouse is bedridden and cannot attend the verification exercise. How can he/she be verified?

    You are required to bring documents with a full sized photograph, complete contact details, career documents and a medical report ascertaining conditions, towards being verified and subsequent enrolment for Monthly Pension (MP). You should arrange all the documents stated and go to the nearest Zonal Office close to you and inform the Team Lead. He will make arrangement for your husband or wife to be verified at home.

  • Ezeibe becomes NCRIB President as Oguntade bows out

    Ezeibe becomes NCRIB President as Oguntade bows out

    • NAICOM calls for broker-led microinsurance, takaful

    The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), has sworn in its 23rd President and Chairman, Governing Board, Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe.

    Ezeibe was sworn in as the third female president of the council in its 63 years of existence. She takes over from Babatunde Oguntade, who served for two years.

    The Chairman of the occasion and doyen of insurance, Olola Olabode Ogunlana while speaking at the ceremony, called for collaboration within the sector and beyond.

    Ogunlana said that ideally, there should also be linkages across all sectors of the Nigerian financial system.

    He stated that this collaboration must extend to insurers, regulators, and governments alike.

    He said: “Up to now, we have neglected insurance education for potential insurers. We must now go out of our way to make insurance a household word. Schools, higher institutions of learning, marketplaces, work sites, and wherever potential insurers may be. We must reduce our dependence on government insurer portfolios. The current free-for-all approach neither recognises merit nor encourages innovation or skill enhancement.

    “We must stop worrying our heads and time on those with deep pockets and their collaborators. Of course, we are not giving agriculture the enthusiasm and innovation it deserves. We must prioritise settlement of claims.”

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    He charged the new NCRIB President to pursue her agenda with vigour, adding, “We shall all support you.”

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Insurance/Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, Olusegun Omosehin, said the emergence of Ezeibe was a powerful statement on inclusion.

    “The emergence of Ezeibe as the third female president in the 63-year history of this council is a powerful symbol of progress and inclusion. It is of quiet strength and strategic impact, both at the NCRlB and generally within the Nigerian insurance industry. Of note is her strategic leadership as the chairperson of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Committee on AfCFTA. Under her guidance, the committee has championed industry enlightenment, capacity building and policy advocacy to ensure the Nigerian insurance industry is well positioned to harness the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.

    Omosehin went on to urge the NCRIB to work with it on microinsurance and Takaful options.

    “Inclusive insurance models also become very critical, so we would like to partner with the NCRIB to develop broker-led micro insurance and takaful solutions for our public. NAICOM’s stance is simple. Deliver only what you can support and support everything you deliver. Clear promises and prompt service build trust, and trust drives penetration.

    “We invite the NCRIB, under the leadership of Mrs. Ezeibe, to actively partner with the Commission in implementing the provisions of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025. NAICOM, therefore, remains open to dialogue and committed to harmonising the roles of all industry players.”

    Meanwhile, the immediate past President of NCRIB, Prince Babatunde Oguntade while reeling out his achievements as the president of NCRIB in the last two years said brokers have strategically partnered stakeholders including regulators, industry associations, and international organisations to deepen penetration.

    Oguntade said these partnerships opened up new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business development.

    He stressed that his regime broke several new grounds with constituent bodies where insurance had never been mentioned, particularly in the entertainment and housing environment, believing his successor would sustain the tempo.

  • Lasaco Assurance pays N13.1b claims

    Lasaco Assurance pays N13.1b claims

    • Raises N11. 1b fresh capital ahead of recapitalisation

    Lasaco Assurance Plc has compensated policyholders who suffered mishaps on their insured risks in 2024 to the tune of N13.1billion.

    The claimants were paid, after they suffered disasters on their insured assets and lives respectively, in a move by the insurer to return the policyholders back to the financial positions they were prior to the mishaps.

    The N13.1billion claims paid represents over 50 per cent out the N22. 82billion generated from insurance revenue in its 2024 financial year.

    This payment, is however, an improvement over N6.54 billion paid in its 2023 financial year, an indication that it pays crucial attention to payment of genuine claims as and when due.

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    Meanwhile, the insurer has also raised additional N11.1billion in a move to meet the July 2026 recapitalisation exercise for the insurance industry.

    Speaking during the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, the Chairman, Mrs. Teju Phillips, disclosed to shareholders that the firm’s insurance revenue rose to N22.82billion, representing a 25 per cent increase from N18.29 billion in 2023.

    She attributed this growth to market penetration and enhanced customer engagement.

    She said: “Profit after Tax (PAT) leaped to N1. 54billion, reflecting an 18 per cent increase from N1.31billion within the period under review. This achievement underscores the company’s discipline, cost optimisation and operational efficiency”.

    However, in a bid to strengthen the company, she said, Lasaco Assurance raised N11.1billion through a private placement, adding an additional 9.25 million shares to its existing shares, to enable it perform and compete better in the insurance industry.

    Assuring that the underwriting firm is driving digital transformation and innovation by investing in various software and omnichannel customer engagement to enhance efficiently and accessibility, she noted that, the company remains committed to sustainability by expanding retail insurance solutions, through targeted policy offerings. Market expansion efforts focus on strengthening current market deepening and leveraging strategic partnership to deepen reach.”

    To ensure long-term competitiveness, she said  the company is upskilling its workforce even as risk management and governance framework are being enhanced through robust stress-testing measures to mitigate currency volatility regulatory shifts and geopolitical uncertainties.

    “Furthermore, we are actively exploring strategic alliances to co-create embedded insurance products, alligning with Nigeria’s expanding digital economy, “ she pointed out.

    Responding to the shareholders’ questions on recapitalisation, the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Razzaq Abiodun assured that the insurer is on the right track to recapitalise both its Life and Non-life businesses.

    He said shareholders’ fund of the company is now in excess of N21.4billion, adding that, additional N11.1billion fresh capital raised is also a move in this direction.

    “So, we are doing everything possible to meet the deadline. The company will continue to operate with both life and non-life licenses. The recapitalisation plans submitted to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) exceeded the regulatory capital benchmark, a sign that the company is moving in the right direction.

    “The process of recapitalisation is currently ongoing and we believe we will conclude all the necessary processes and documentation before the deadline slated for next year”, he added.

  • NAICOM, others partner on road safety

    NAICOM, others partner on road safety

    The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have met to strengthen their efforts in improving safety and emergency response on Nigerian roads through the Motor Third Party Insurance Scheme.

    A statement made available to journalists stated that this development follows a courtesy visit by the FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Muhammed to the Commissioner for Insurance Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin at NAICOM Headquarters.

    During the meeting, NAICOM said, the Corps Marshal congratulated NAICOM on the signing of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 and acknowledged the Commission’s efforts in driving reforms in the industry.

    “He emphasised the need for enhanced data exchange between NAICOM and FRSC to develop a robust system for quick response to road accidents and compensation. The Corps Marshal also stressed the importance of digitising the process for prompt emergency response and eliminating fake motor insurance policies.

    “The Commissioner for Insurance, in his response, thanked the Corps Marshal for the visit and commended his efforts in upgrading the licensing system.

    He highlighted that NIIRA 2025 has strengthened the compulsory third-party motor insurance policy and established a fund for compensating road accident victims, which will be administered by a committee that includes FRSC representation.

    Read Also: NFF, Jalla bicker over planned workshop on  amendment of statues at Ibadan AGM

    “The Representative of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Ajodi Nuhu Nasir expressed profound satisfaction at the collaborative efforts among the agencies, noting that this synergy will culminate in a robust system that not only safeguards our roads but also ensures prompt and quality medical treatment for accident victims, thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with road crashes.

    The meeting culminated in agreements such as Data Sharing Integration where NAICOM and FRSC will integrate their data sharing systems to enable seamless information sharing; and Joint Awareness Campaign where the agencies will develop a joint awareness campaign strategy to educate the public on insurance benefits and road safety. Others are Enforcement Committee where a joint committee will be established to collaborate on enforcement of proper insurance coverage and address cases of fake insurance policies; and Inclusion of Insurance Requirements: FRSC will include insurance requirements, especially for valid third-party motor insurance, in its awareness and enforcement efforts”, the statement read.

    The collaboration aims to promote road safety, ensure prompt treatment for accident victims, and protect the interests of motorists and other road users. A date will be announced for the inauguration of the joint committee.

  • ‘Nigeria emerging global driver of sustainability’

    ‘Nigeria emerging global driver of sustainability’

    Executive Vice Chair and Chief Executive of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has said Nigeria is being positioned as a major driving force for global sustainability and innovation.

    Halilu delivered a keynote: “Nigeria at the Heart of Global Sustainability” at 2025 World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS) Conference in China.

    WAYS brings together young researchers and institutions to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable progress through science and technology.

    In a statement by the agency yesterday, Halilu noted that collaboration between government and private sector is strengthening, translating policies into results.

    “The bridge between government and private sector is becoming stronger, turning policy into practical outcomes. This is what progress looks like: policy meets innovation, innovation meets people, and people meet opportunity,” Halilu said.

    Highlighting Nigeria’s rising influence in clean technology, renewable energy, and green manufacturing, he attributed the nation’s progress to creativity and dynamism of its young people.

    “Young Nigerians, your ideas, your energy, and your innovation have a place on the global table. The world is watching what we build. Let us move together,” he added.

    Read Also: Why some Nigerians don’t like me – Soludo’s son

    Halilu stressed NASENI’s commitment to domestication, adapting global tech to local realities and needs.

    “It is not enough to import technology. We must adapt it. Domestication is how we make global innovation work for us in Nigeria,” he said.

    He announced launch of ZeCo, an initiative to focus on clean mobility, renewable energy systems, and sustainable manufacturing.

    He said the idea aligns with its mission to make Nigeria a hub for green innovation and circular economy solutions.

    “Nigeria’s journey to Net Zero is not just a national agenda. It is a global invitation to collaborate, to co-create, and to build a future that works for everyone,” Halilu emphasised.

    As the first African to serve on the WAYS board, Halilu’s representation marks a significant step in positioning Nigeria and Africa as emerging leaders in global innovation and sustainable development.

  • African leaders unite to tackle climate change

    African leaders unite to tackle climate change

    Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has said African leaders are tackling challenges of climate change, by ensuring people are safe, securing the economy and its ecosystem and making sure no state or community is left out.

    He said our commitment to a just transition is clear, and rooted in the belief that no one should be left behind in the journey towards a low-carbon and climate  resilient future, with Nigeria aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 while ensuring access to modern energy by 2050.

    He spoke at the first West African Science Service Centre on Climate change and adapted land use International Conference and Just Energy Transition 13C-JET in Abuja, with the theme: “Sustainable Climate Resilience and Just Energy Transition in Africa.” .

     He said: “Nigerian Climate Change Act provided the legal ambition,  while the Pioneer Green Bond Programme demonstrated how innovative finance can drive sustainable development…

    “We believe we must address climate change. Nigeria is a trusted partner in strengthening climate science capacity. Together we are building a foundation for a resilient, low-carbon future.

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    “In Nigeria, we have been able to develop a curriculum for climate change and environment in our schools, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. So we are taking climate change very seriously and this must be done at the heart of our educational curriculum. The world is watching Africa, even though we are not major contributors of global warming, yet our resolve for the part of the solution remains firm and stable. Africa is ever ready to serve as an activist of a new energy  paradigm building on equity, innovation and resilience”.

    Speaking, the Executive Director of WASCAL, Professor Emmanuel Wendsongre Ramde revealed that the aim of the conference is to share knowledge, showcase innovations and catalyse collaborations, stating that WASCAL  is specialized in providing comprehensive solutions to the threat poised by Climate change,  adding that the organisation performs those services through capacity building as well as Research and Advisory services

  • Firm raises oil and gas surveillance

    Firm raises oil and gas surveillance

    Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria says it has expanded its operations to include oil and gas in close proximity to Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), free of charge.

    The company, primarily in the Eastern Corridor of Trans Niger Pipeline said it is doing this in the interest of national development.

    Head of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Akpos Mezeh, addressed stakeholders from host communities of  TNP in Bayelsa, urging them to scale up real time information around critical assets for optimum protection.

    “We wish to restate that PINL has taken on the responsibility of providing security for all oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP “Pro Bono” even though they are not under its current mandate. To this extent, we  urge stakeholders to scale up vigilance and real time community intelligence around these assets in the interest of national security, “ Mezeh said.

     He also disclosed that following from previous meetings, Biseni community has been included in its operations while plans are on to include other communities from Sagbama LGA.

    “Acting on recommendations from our last meeting, PINL has granted the inclusion of Biseni and other deserving communities in its surveillance engagements.

    “Furthermore, recommendations have been submitted to the appropriate authorities for inclusion of more communities that host critical oil and gas assets in the eastern corridor, “ Mezeh stated.

    Giving a rundown of its successes for the month under review, the PINL official stated that there was no case of pipeline vandalism in the state and on the entire TNP, attributing the feat to the collaboration between the company, security agents and community stakeholders.

    He emphasized that there has been sustained oil and gas production in the eastern corridor, increased host community development trust funding and peace in the communities.

    Mezeh informed the stakeholders that the company’empowerment for 2000 women and girls from the host communities under the PINL Women Entrepreneurs & Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing for host communities in Abia, Imo,  Rivers and Bayelsa communities.

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    He explained that the program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls, adding “Verification of data is ongoing, and beneficiaries will be contacted shortly”.

    On scholarship and youth development, he said it is currently being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements by November while new entries from underrepresented communities have also been added.

    Some stakeholders at the meeting noted that PINL’s impact was being felt in the host communities.

    President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba in his speech thanked PINL for recognising the roles of the host communities and the traditional institution in its operations.

    The INC leader appreciated the company for its corporate social responsibility packages for the communities and for the regular stakeholders engagement towards finding solutions to pipeline vandalism in the the area.

    “I thank PINL for bringing us here and we urge all of us to support them because as INC and IYC, we have agreed amongst ourselves that we won’t go on violent struggles anymore, we’ll go on civil engagements, “ he said.

    On his part, President of Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, commended PINL for nipping in the bud most of the problems that have bedeviled communities in the region.

    He praised the collaboration between the company and security agencies in addressing issues of environmental devastation.

    “ I’m happy to acknowledge that PINL has been able to help our communities nip the issues of environmental devastation in the bud through, collaboration and the effort they are putting in by working with security agencies; and other people of goodwill that genuinely care for the Niger Delta environment, “ Lokpobiri said.

    The IYC leader lauded stakeholders who have been supportive of the company’s activities in ensuring a vandalism-free region.

    Also speaking, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr Bulodisiye Ndiwari acknowledged that in the last two months, the area has not recorded any case of oil theft or pipeline vandalism.

    He also appreciated the company for building the capacity of the region through its skills and empowerment programme for youths and women.

    “We want to appreciate you for this women empowerment and for the scholarship scheme that will take off very soon. You are building the capacity of Bayelsans, Niger Delta and Ijaw nation” Odiwari said.

    Meanwhile, the Project Monitoring Office (PMO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in a goodwill message assured the company that it is in support of their stakeholders’ collaboration in combating pipeline vandalism.

  • FirstBank marks corporate responsibility, sustainability week

    FirstBank marks corporate responsibility, sustainability week

    FirstBank has begun its Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Week.

    The bank said the event is a reflection of its  commitment to community empowerment, environmental stewardship, and advancement of UN  SDGs.

    “Through ‘Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness’, the bank lifts communities and reduce environment al impact.

    “During the week, employees dedicate time and resources to causes aligned with its sustainability strategy,” the bank said.

     Acting Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said we believe kindness is a currency that never devalues, and since 2017, staff have given back to communities through this, while promoting kindness.

    “CR&S Week is a call to action. It is about showing up for humanity, being kind to one another, and proving that even the smallest act can ripple into lasting change.

    “The bank plans to plant at least 20,000 trees within the week in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), in the final phase of its support for the Nigeria’s 2060 decarbonisation agenda. This effort builds on the Bank’s pledge to plant 50,000 trees by 2025, with 31,000 trees successfully planted over the past two years.

    “Additionally, in line with FirstBank’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG) of women empowerment, the Bank will collaborate with Borno and Katsina States to raise and provide medical interventions (including surgeries and post-care kits) for women living with Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).

    “Throughout the week, FirstBank staff will be inspired to share messages of kindness, fostering a culture of compassion, civility, and empathy across the Bank. The programme will feature themed webinars centered on the SPARK initiative, as well as school engagements designed to instill the values of generosity and social responsibility in younger generations.

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    The week will culminate in visits to orphanage homes, internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, and charitable organisations across Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa, and the UK, demonstrating kindness and empowering those at the bottom of the pyramid.

    “These initiatives epitomise FirstBank’s care for the environment and humanity, aligning with the bank’s sustainability strategic pillars and support for the Green Recovery Nigeria,” Ijabiyi said.

    Since the first edition in 2017, FirstBank’s CR&S Week has spotlighted the Bank’s corporate citizenship interventions driving positive social impact, sustainability, and community engagement. Over the years, it has evolved into a platform that mobilises stakeholders and non-customers alike across its global network to champion causes that uplift lives, protect the environment, and promote inclusive development.  FirstBank is encouraging and inspiring individuals to go beyond their everyday routines and perform acts of random kindness.